How to prepare your toddler (and yourself) for preschool?

Battle the unknown

The fear of the unknown is one the scariest things about this day. That’s why it helps to visit the daycare centre or school a couple of times beforehand. This way, both you and your smallster get to know the care givers, the facility, the kids, and the group setting there. Sometimes day cares offer try-out days. Make sure to take advantage of these! Organise beforehand some SmartMax playdates with other kids, so that your child gets more familiar with playing and interacting in group. The Build and Roll set is a fun set to play and build together. On the day itself, it might help to bring an item from home with, like their favourite teddy or blankie. Familiarity really helps to relieve stress.

Communication is key

It’s important to communicate with your little one before going to preschool. Talk to them beforehand on how it will be like, what fun things they will be able to do and learn, … Your mini-me might have some questions or worries. Listen to them and acknowledge their feeling. It is normal that both kids and adults find this exciting or scary. There are some great books for kids available that you can read to your kid before bedtime on starting daycare to help answer some of these questions.

Routine & preparations

Starting preschool also needs some practical preparations. Start getting both in routine by slow but steadily adapting bedtime and wake up times. Do this gradually to smoothen going to a new bedtime schedule. Try to already start a morning routine beforehand.

A fun preparation is to go shopping! Let your child choose their own little backpack, giving them a sense of becoming a “big kid”. And don’t forget to label all their items to not lose them in daycare!

A beautiful goodbye

It’s always hard to say goodbye! Most recommended way is to make it a quick goodbye. Make sure to tell your kid that you’ll be back to pick them up later that day and keep your tone positive. Whatever you do, don’t sneak out without your child knowing, always say goodbye. There probably be some tears, but don’t worry, once you are out of sight, your mini-me will calm down and start its new adventure at daycare!